Frames for temporary coverings

ABSTRACT

Frames or supporting temporary coverings. The frames include a coupler, a base tube, a spine tube, and a shoulder tube. The coupler is configured to selectively couple to a fixed structure. The base tube is coupled to the coupler. The spine tube is nested within the base tube and is configured to selectively telescope relative to the base tube. The shoulder tube is mounted to the spine tube and extends transverse to the spine tube between a first shoulder end and a second shoulder end. In some examples, the frame includes one or more of a first arm tube and a second arm tube. In certain examples, the frame includes one or more of a first arm fastener, a second arm fastener, and a spine fastener. In some examples, frame includes a pivot mechanism.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to frames. In particular, frames for temporary coverings are described.

Temporary coverings or barriers, such as tarps, sunshades, temporary walls, and the like, are helpful to have in place when working outdoors in the elements. The temporary coverings can protect workers from rain, snow, the sun, and the wind. Further, the temporary coverings can protect the environment from excessive debris, dust, and undesirable air particulates, such as asbestos, lead paint, and others. Temporary coverings may additionally or alternatively be used to shield a job site from view to improve the cosmetic appearance of a job site and/or to provide privacy.

The protection afforded by the temporary coverings can make working more comfortable, safer, and effective and improve the quality of the work. Temporary coverings can enable working at times when it would otherwise not be possible because of or other factors. Tool life, building material integrity, and worker health can all be better maintained when temporary coverings are installed at a job site.

Known approaches for supporting temporary covering are not entirely satisfactory. For example, existing approaches often require heavy and cumbersome scaffolding to support temporary coverings. The scaffolding tends to be time consuming to install, have limited or no mobility, and limit how temporary coverings may be deployed. Another challenge with existing scaffolding for temporary coverings is that they require multiple people to install.

Many conventional approaches for setting up protective barriers are limited to non-disposable barriers. For example, one may be required to use rigid walls, fabric sheets, or heavy duty tarps with existing solutions instead of disposable materials such as plastic sheets. Working with on-disposable coverings is often less convenient, tedious, and messy as the materials tend to get dirty or contaminated at work sites. Further, when working where hazardous particulates are involved, it may required by local rules and regulations to dispose of protective barriers. Thus, conventional approaches to installing protective barriers may not be suitable for a given job site.

Another significant drawback of existing approaches to installing protective barriers is their cost. Most conventional frames and scaffolding used to support protective barriers represent significant investments. The protective barriers themselves are expensive as well when disposable barriers are not compatible with the frames or barriers used. It would be desirable to have a less expensive solution to supporting temporary barriers than exists currently.

Thus, there exists a need for solutions to support temporary coverings that improve upon and advance the design of known approaches to supporting temporary coverings. Examples of new and useful frames for temporary coverings relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to frames for supporting temporary coverings. The frames include a coupler, a base tube, a spine tube, and a shoulder tube. The coupler is configured to selectively couple to a fixed structure. The base tube is coupled to the coupler. The spine tube is nested within the base tube and is configured to selectively telescope relative to the base tube. The shoulder tube is mounted to the spine tube and extends transverse to the spine tube between a first shoulder end and a second shoulder end. In some examples the frame includes one or more of a first arm tube and a second arm tube. In certain examples, the frame includes one or more of a first arm fastener, a second arm fastener, and a spine fastener. In some examples, the frame includes a pivot mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of multiple frames supporting temporary coverings from a house.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a frame for supporting temporary coverings.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation of the frame shown FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a frame for supporting temporary coverings, the frame including a coupler in the form of a clamp.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a frame for supporting temporary coverings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed frames will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various frames are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.

Definitions

The following definitions apply herein, unless otherwise indicated.

“Substantially” means to be more-or-less conforming to the particular dimension, range, shape, concept, or other aspect modified by the term, such that a feature or component need not conform exactly. For example, a “substantially cylindrical” object means that the object resembles a cylinder, but may have one or more deviations from a true cylinder.

“Comprising,” “including,” and “having” (and conjugations thereof) are used interchangeably to mean including but not necessarily limited to, and are open-ended terms not intended to exclude additional elements or method steps not expressly recited.

Terms such as “first” “second”, and “third” are used to distinguish or identify various members of a group, or the like, and are not intended to denote a serial, chronological, or numerical limitation.

“Coupled” means connected, either permanently or releasably, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components.

“Communicatively coupled” means that an electronic device exchanges information with another electronic device, either wirelessly or with a wire-based connector, whether directly or indirectly through a communication network.

“Controllably coupled” means that an electronic device controls operation of another electronic device.

Frames For Temporary Coverings

With reference to the figures, frames for temporary coverings will now be described. The frames discussed herein function to support temporary coverings to enable job sites to be protected from the elements. The frames also enable temporary barriers to be supported between the job site and the environment to protect the environment from debris created from work occurring at the job site.

The reader will appreciate from the figures and description below that the presently disclosed frames address many of the shortcomings of conventional frames. For example, the novel frames discussed below do not require heavy and cumbersome scaffolding to support temporary coverings like conventional solutions. Unlike conventional scaffolding, which tends to be time consuming to install, has limited or no mobility, and limits how temporary coverings may be deployed, the novel frames discussed herein are faster to install, are mobile, and enables a wide range of temporary coverings to be supported. A key improvement of the novel frames below is that a single person can install them and form protective barriers with them instead of needing multiple people like with conventional scaffolding.

The novel frames disclosed herein improve over prior art approaches by supporting disposable barriers. Unlike with conventional approaches, the frames discussed below are not limited to supporting rigid walls, fabric sheets, or heavy duty tarps. Instead, the novel frames discussed in this document facilitate temporary coverings made from disposable materials, such as plastic sheets.

By enabling disposable coverings, the presently described frames are well suited to a wider range of job sites than conventional approaches limited to non-disposable coverings. Using disposable coverings with the novel frames is convenient, simple, and less messy because the dirty or contaminated covering can simply be disposed when no longer needed. The frames discussed herein enable working where hazardous particulates are involved because disposable coverings required by local rules and regulations may be used to form protective barriers.

Another significant improvement over existing approaches to installing protective barriers is the relatively low cost of the novel frames discussed in this document. Unlike the significant investment required for most conventional frames and scaffolding, the frames discussed below are affordable and easy to ship. The protective barriers supported by the novel frames discussed herein enable less expensive covers or barriers to be used, which further makes them more cost effective than most conventional approaches to supporting temporary barriers.

Contextual Details

Ancillary features relevant to the frames described herein will first be described to provide context and to aid the discussion of the frames.

Temporary Coverings

The frames discussed below function to support temporary coverings. The temporary coverings supported by the frames should be construed broadly to include any covering, barrier, wall, or that may be useful on a job site. The term temporary covers will be used predominantly in this document, but equally applicable terms include temporary barriers, protective barriers or dividers, partitions, and walls. The temporary covers may have protective, isolating, cooling, or containment functions and combinations thereof.

Suitable temporary covers include any currently known or later developed materials or items that function to define covers or barriers for a space. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 1, the temporary covers are sheets or expanses of flexible materials, such as plastic, fabric, or paper products. As further shown in FIG. 1, the temporary covers may additionally or alternatively be expanses of rigid or semi-rigid materials, such as foam, foam core composites, plastics, metal, wood, or other polymers. Temporary covering 190B in FIG. 1 is a sheet of flexible plastic whereas temporary covering 190A in FIG. 1 is a rigid wall.

The temporary coverings may be positioned to serve as barriers of various types. For example, the temporary covering may serve as a roof or awning when supported above a job site. When supported laterally around a job site, the temporary covering may serve as a wall.

The temporary coverings may be disposable or non-disposable. Disposable temporary coverings, such as sheets of plastic or paper, may be desirable when the temporary covering is likely to become soiled or contaminated when used and cleaning the covering would be inconvenient or impractical. In some situations, disposable temporary coverings are mandated by rules and regulations. Non-disposable temporary coverings may be desirable when barriers with structural integrity are required and/or when the cost of the temporary covering is high enough that reusing the covering on subsequent jobs is worthwhile.

Fixed Structure

The frames discussed in this document may mount to fixed structures, such as fixed structure 102 depicted in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, fixed structure 102 is a house. However, the fixed structure may be any currently known or later developed type of fixed structure. The reader will appreciate that a variety of fixed structure types exist, such as buildings, walls, and equipment, each of which could be used in place of the fixed structure shown in the figures. In addition to the types of fixed structures existing currently, it is contemplated that the frames described herein could be used with new types of fixed structures developed in the future.

The size of the fixed structure may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the fixed structure is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the fixed structure is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the fixed structure and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

Frame

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a frame 100 will now be described as a first example of a frame. As shown in FIGS. 1-3 frame 100 is configured to support temporary coverings. Frame 100 may support temporary coverings to form an enclosure around a work site. In the context of this document, an enclosure may, but need not completely surround the work site; rather, the frames may support temporary coverings that form enclosures providing barriers around one or more sides of the work site.

The enclosure formed by the frames supporting temporary coverings may serve a variety of purposes. For example, the enclosures may protect workers from rain, snow, the sun, and the wind. Further, the enclosures may protect the environment from excessive debris, dust, and undesirable air particulates, such as asbestos, lead paint, and others. The enclosures may additionally or alternatively be used to shield a job site from view to improve the cosmetic appearance of the job site and/or provide privacy. Other roles for the enclosures may be to form temporary restaurant enclosures to facilitate outdoor dining and/or carryout services.

As shown in FIG. 1, the frames may modularly cooperate to support larger temporary coverings or to form enclosures from adjacent or overlapping temporary coverings. By placing frames next to each other, larger enclosures can be easily formed.

The reader can see in FIGS. 1-3 that frame 100 includes a coupler 101, a base tube 103, a first spine tube 125, a second spine tube 126, a shoulder tube 105, a first arm tube 108, a first arm fastener 109, a second arm tube 110, a second arm fastener 111, a pivot mechanism 118, and a spine fastener 128. In other examples, such as shown in FIG. 5, the frame includes fewer components than depicted in the figures. In certain examples, such as shown in FIG. 4, the frame includes additional or alternative components than depicted in the figures.

The shape of the frame may be adapted to be different than the specific examples shown in the figures to suit a given application. The size of the frame may also be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the frame is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the frame is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the frame and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

Coupler

Coupler 101 functions to selectively couple frame 100 to fixed structure 102. As depicted in FIGS. 1-3, coupler 101 is configured to selectively couple to a fixed structure 102. With reference to FIGS. 1-3, coupler 101 includes a plate 116 configured to selectively couple to fixed structure 102.

Coupler 101 enables frame to couple to surfaces in any orientation, including vertical surfaces, horizontal surfaces, and surfaces angled between horizontal and vertical. As shown in FIG. 1, coupler 101A is selectively coupled to a vertical surface 121 of fixed structure 102. With further reference to FIG. 1, a coupler 101B is selectively coupled to an angled surface 195 of fixed structure 102.

The size of the coupler may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the coupler is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the coupler is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the coupler and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

The number of couplers in the frame may be selected to meet the needs of a given application. The reader should understand that the number of couplers may be different in other examples than is shown in the figures. For instance, some frame examples include additional or fewer couplers than described in the present example.

The coupler may be any currently known or later developed type of coupler. FIG. 4 depicts a coupler 201 in the form of a clamp 224. The reader will appreciate that a variety of coupler types exist and could be used in place of the coupler shown in the figures. In addition to the types of couplers existing currently, it is contemplated that the frames described herein could incorporate new types of couplers developed in the future.

Plate

The role of plate 116 is to provide a rigid surface to facilitate mounting frame 100 to fixed structure 102. As shown in FIG. 2, plate 116 defines mounting holes 117 through which fasteners (not pictured) may extend to fasten plate 116 to fixed structure 102. In the present example, plate 116 defines four mounting holes 117. However, in other examples, the plate may define more or fewer mounting holes than the four mounting holes 117 depicted in FIG. 2.

The plate may be any currently known or later developed type of plate. The reader will appreciate that a variety of plate types exist and could be used in place of the plate shown in the figures. In addition to the types of plates existing currently, it is contemplated that the frames described herein could incorporate new types of plates developed in the future.

The shape of the plate may be adapted to be different than the specific examples shown in the figures to suit a given application. For example, the plate may include a face having the shape of a regular or irregular polygon, such as a circle, oval, triangle, square, rectangle pentagon, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the plate may include a face having an irregular shape. In three dimensions, the shape of the plate may be a sphere, a pyramid, a cone, a cube, and variations thereof, such as a hemisphere or a frustoconical shape.

In the present example, plate 116 is composed of metal. However, the plate may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for the applications described herein for which it is used. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials.

The size of the plate may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the plate is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the plate is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the plate and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

Base Tube

The role of base tube 103 is to support other components of frame 100, including first spine tube 123. The reader can see in FIGS. 1-3 that base tube 103 is coupled to coupler 101 via pivot mechanism 118. In particular, as depicted in FIGS. 1-3, base tube 103 is pivotally coupled to coupler 101.

The pivotal coupling of base tube 103 to coupler 101 enables frame 100 to pivot into a desired orientation relative to fixed structure 102. For example, frame 100A is in a perpendicular orientation in FIG. 1 with base tube 103 pivoted perpendicular to plate 116A. Frame 100B is in a tilted configuration in FIG. 1 with base tube 103 pivoted to close to parallel to plate 116B.

As shown in FIG. 1, base tube 103, spine tube 104, and shoulder tube 105 cooperate to support an expanse 129 of a flexible temporary covering 190B draped over them. The reader can see in FIG. 1 that base tube 103, spine tube 104, and shoulder tube 105 cooperate to support a temporary rigid wall 190A in contact with shoulder tube 105.

In the present example, base tube 103 is composed of anodized aluminum. However, the base tube may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for the applications described herein for which it is used. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials.

The base tube may be any currently known or later developed type of tube. The reader will appreciate that a variety of tube types exist and could be used in place of the base tube shown in the figures. In addition to the types of tubes existing currently, it is contemplated that the frames described herein could incorporate new types of tubes developed in the future.

The size of the base tube may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the base tube is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the base tube is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the base tube and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

The shape of the base tube may be adapted to be different than the specific examples shown in the figures to suit a given application. For example, the shape of a cross section of the base tube taken along its length may be different than the square cross section depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3. For example, the cross section may be a regular or irregular polygon, such as a circle, oval, triangle, square, rectangle pentagon, and the like.

Spine Tubes

The spine tubes functions to support shoulder tube 105 and to selectively increase or decrease the spacing between base tube 103 and shoulder tube 105. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, frame 100 includes a first spine tube 125 and a second spine tube 126. In other examples, the frame includes a single spine tube. In certain examples, the frame includes more than two telescoping spine tubes, such as three, four, or five or more spine tubes.

The reader can see in FIGS. 2 and 3 that first spine tube 125 is nested within base tube 103. First spine tube 125 is configured to selectively telescope relative to base tube 103. As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, second spine tube 126 is nested within first spine tube 125 and configured to selectively telescope relative to first spine tube 125. The telescoping configuration of the spine tubes allows the spacing between base tube 103 and shoulder tube 105 to be selectively adjusted.

In the present example, the spine tubes are composed of anodized aluminum. However, the spine tubes may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for the applications described herein for which it is used. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials.

The spine tubes may be any currently known or later developed type of tube. The reader will appreciate that a variety of tube types exist and could be used in place of the spine tubes shown in the figures. In addition to the types of tubes existing currently, it is contemplated that the frames described herein could incorporate new types of tubes developed in the future.

The size of the spine tubes may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the spine tubes are larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the spine tubes are smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the spine tubes and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

The shape of the spine tube may be adapted to be different than the specific examples shown in the figures to suit a given application. For example, the shape of a cross section of the spine tube taken along its length may be different than the square cross section depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3. For example, the cross section may be a regular or irregular polygon such as a circle, oval, triangle, square, rectangle pentagon, and the like.

Shoulder Tube

Shoulder tube 105 serves to link the arm tubes to the spine tubes and to support the arm tubes. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, shoulder tube 105 is mounted to second spine tube 126. The shoulder tube may include a threaded or unthreaded socket for coupling to the spine tube. As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, shoulder tube 105 extends transverse to second spine tube 126 between a first shoulder end 106 and a second shoulder end 107.

In the present example, the shoulder tube is t-shaped. However, the shape of the shoulder tube may be adapted to be different than the specific examples shown in the figures to suit a given application.

The size of the shoulder tube may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the shoulder tube is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the shoulder tube is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the shoulder tube and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

The shoulder tube may be any currently known or later developed type of tube or joint. The reader will appreciate that a variety of tube and joint types exist and could be used in place of the shoulder tube shown in the figures. In addition to the types of tubes and joints existing currently, it is contemplated that the frames described herein could incorporate new types of tubes or joints developed in the future.

In the present example, shoulder tube 105 is composed of anodized aluminum. However, the shoulder tube may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for the applications described herein for which it is used. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials.

Arm Tubes

The role of the optional arm tubes is to support temporary coverings in a position spaced from coupler 101. The temporary coverings may drape over the arm tubes and/or be fastened to the arm tubes.

In the present example, frame 100 includes a first arm tube 108 and a second arm tube 110. The reader should understand that some examples may not include multiple arm tubes, but may instead include a single arm tube or no arm tube. The single arm tube may extend to just one side of the spine tube or may extend across to both sides of the spine tube.

The number of arm tubes in the frame may be selected to meet the needs of a given application. The reader should understand that the number of arm tubes may be different in other examples than is shown in the figures. For instance, some frame examples include additional or fewer arm tubes than described in the present example.

Each arm tube in the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 includes two telescoping sub-tubes. The telescoping sub-tubes are described here as alpha and beta arm tubes. In other examples, the arm tubes include more than two sub-tubes. In some example, the arm tubes do not include telescoping sub-tubes.

The reader can see in FIGS. 2 and 3 that first arm tube 108 is configured to selectively telescope relative to shoulder tube 105. As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, first arm tube 108 is nested within shoulder tube 105 proximate first shoulder end 106. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, first arm tube 108 includes an alpha first arm tube 112 and a beta first arm tube 113.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, alpha first arm tube 112 is nested within shoulder tube 105. Alpha first arm tube 112 is configured to selectively telescope relative to shoulder tube 105. The reader can see in FIGS. 2 and 3 that beta first arm tube 113 is nested within alpha first arm tube 112. Beta first arm tube 113 is configured to selectively telescope relative to alpha first arm tube 112.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, second arm tube 110 nested within shoulder tube 105 proximate second shoulder end 107. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, second arm tube 110 is configured to selectively telescope relative to shoulder tube 105. The reader can see in FIGS. 2 and 3 that second arm tube 110 includes an alpha second arm tube 114 and a beta second arm tube 115.

As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, alpha second arm tube 114 is nested within shoulder tube 105. Alpha second arm tube 114 is configured to selectively telescope relative to shoulder tube 105. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, beta second arm tube 115 is nested within alpha second arm tube 114. Beta second arm tube 115 is configured to selectively telescope relative to alpha second arm tube 114.

The arm tubes may be any currently known or later developed type of tube. The reader will appreciate that a variety of tube types exist and could be used in place of the arm tubes shown in the figures. In addition to the types of tubes existing currently, it is contemplated that the frames described herein could incorporate new types of tubes developed in the future.

The shape of the arm tubes may be adapted to be different than the specific examples shown in the figures to suit a given application. For example, the shape of a cross section of the arm tubes taken along its length may be different than the square cross section depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3. For example, the cross section may be a regular or irregular polygon, such as a circle, oval, triangle, square, rectangle pentagon, and the like.

The size of the arm tubes may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the arm tubes are larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the arm tubes are smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the arm tubes and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

In the present example, the arm tubes are composed of anodized aluminum. However, the arm tubes may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for the applications described herein for which it is used. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials.

Tube Fasteners

The tube fasteners, such as arm tube fasteners and spine tube fasteners, function to fix their respective tubes in a desired telescoped configuration. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, first arm fasteners 109 are configured to fix first arm tube 108 in a position telescoped out of shoulder tube 105. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, second arm fasteners 111 are configured to fix second arm tube 110 in a position telescoped out of shoulder tube 105. The reader can see in FIGS. 2 and 3 that spine fasteners 128 are configured to fix spine tube 104 in a position telescoped out of base tube 103.

In the present example, the tube fasteners are composed of metal. However, the tube fasteners may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for the applications described herein for which it is used. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials.

In the present example, the tube fasteners are pins. However, the tube fastener may be any currently known or later developed type of fastener. The reader will appreciate that a variety of fastener types exist, such as bolts, rods, pins, and detent mechanisms, each of which could be used in place of the tube fasteners shown in the figures. In addition to the types of fasteners existing currently, it is contemplated that the frames described herein could incorporate new types of fasteners developed in the future.

The number of tube fasteners in the frame may be selected to meet the needs of a given application. The reader should understand that the number of tube fasteners may be different in other examples than is shown in the figures. For instance, some frame examples include additional or fewer tube fasteners than described in the present example.

The size of the tube fasteners may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the tube fasteners are larger relative to the other components than depicted the figures. In other examples, the tube fasteners are smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the tube fasteners and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

Pivot Mechanism

The reader can see in FIGS. 2 and 3 that pivot mechanism 118 pivotally couples base tube 103 to coupler 101. Pivot mechanism 118 functions to pivot base tube 103 relative to coupler 101. Two pivot positions of frame 100 are depicted in FIG. 2: a vertical pivot position in solid lines and a tilted pivot position in dashed lines. Further, pivot mechanism 118 functions to secure base tube 103 in a desired tilted position relative to coupler 101.

As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, pivot mechanism 118 includes a bearing 170 and a locking pin 119. Bearing 170 defines holes through which locking pin 119 may selectively insert. The holes defined by bearing 170 align with complementary holes defined in base member 103.

The complementary holes in base member 103 are arranged in a circular path to define distinct tilt positions for base member 103 relative to coupler 101. When the holes defined in bearing 170 are aligned with a selected hole defined in base member 103, base member 103 will be at a selected tilt position relative to coupler 101. Inserting locking pin 119 through the holes defined in bearing 170 and the aligned holes defined in base tube 103 fixes base tube 103 at a desired angle relative to coupler 101.

With reference to FIG. 1, the reader can see by comparing frames 100A and 100B that pivot mechanism 118 structurally fixes base tube 103 at various desired angles relative to coupler 101. As shown in FIG. 1 with reference to frame 100A, pivot mechanism 118 structurally fixes base tube 103 in a horizontal orientation 122 extending from coupler 101 over open space to define a cantilever 123A. As shown in FIG. 1 with reference to frame 100B, pivot mechanism 118 structurally fixes base tube 103 in a tilted orientation extending from coupler 101 over open space to define a cantilever 123B.

The pivot mechanism may be any currently known or later developed type of pivot mechanism. The reader will appreciate that a variety of pivot mechanism types exist and could be used in place of the pivot mechanism shown in the figures. In addition to the types of pivot mechanisms existing currently, it is contemplated that the frames described herein could incorporate new types of pivot mechanisms developed in the future.

The shape of the pivot mechanism may be adapted to be different than the specific examples shown in the figures to suit a given application. The size of the pivot mechanism may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the pivot mechanism is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the pivot mechanism is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the pivot mechanism and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

Additional Embodiments

With reference to the figures not yet discussed in detail, the discussion will now focus on additional frame embodiments. The additional embodiments include many similar or identical features to frame 100. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of the additional embodiments below will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between the additional embodiments and frame 100 will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially sin-mar between the different frame examples.

Second Embodiment

Turning attention to FIG. 4, a frame 200 will now be described as a second example of a frame. As can be seen in FIG. 4, frame 200 includes a coupler 201, a base tube 203, a first spine tube 225, a second spine tube 226, a shoulder tube 205, a first arm tube 208, first arm fasteners 209, a second arm tube 210, second arms fasteners 211, and spine fasteners 228.

As depicted in FIG. 4, coupler 201 includes a clamp 224 as opposed to a plate 116 as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3 for frame 100. As shown in FIG. 1, clamp 224 is configured to selectively couple to fixed structure 102 by clamping to fixed structure 102.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, claim 200 includes a first jaw 281 and a second jaw 282 spaced from first jaw 281. First jaw 281 and second jaw 282 are configured the same, so just second jaw 282 will be described in detail for the sake of brevity.

As shown in FIG. 4, second jaw 282 includes a body 283, a lever mechanism 284, and teeth 285. Body 283 defines a channel 286 complementarity configured with base tube 203 to enable body 283 to receive base tube 203 through channel 286. Body 283 is configured to translate relative to base tube 203 until selectively fixed in position on base tube 203 by lever mechanism 284. Base tube 203 defines slats 288 engaged by lever mechanism 284 to fix second jaw 282 in a desired position on base tube 203.

Each set of jaws define teeth 285 facing each other to frictionally engage structures between them. To couple frame 200 to a structure, first jaw 281 is positioned such that teeth 285 engage the structure from one side. Second jaw 282 is positioned such that teeth 285 engage an opposite side of the structure. Lever mechanisms 284 are engaged to compress each jaw against the structure to enable the teeth to tightly engage the structure and couple coupler 201 to the structure.

The clamp may be any currently known or later developed type of clamp. The reader will appreciate that a variety of clamp types exist and could be used in place of the clamp shown the figures. In addition to the types of clamps existing currently, it is contemplated that the frames described herein could incorporate new types of clamps developed in the future.

The size of the clamp may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the clamp is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the clamp is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the clamp and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

The number of clamps in the frame may be selected to meet the needs of a given application. The reader should understand that the number of clamps may be different in other examples than is shown in the figures. For instance, some frame examples include additional or fewer clamps than described in the present example.

Third Embodiment

Turning attention to FIG. 5, a frame 300 will now be described as a third example of a frame. As can be seen in FIG. 5, frame 300 includes a base tube 303, a first spine tube 325, a second spine, tube 326, a shoulder tube 305, a first arm tube 308, a first arm fastener 309, a second arm tube 310, a second arm fastener 311, a pivot mechanism 318, and a spine fastener 328. First arm tube 308 includes an alpha first arm tube 312 and a beta first arm tube 313. As shown in FIG. 5, second arm tube 310 includes an alpha second arm tube 314 and a beta second arm tube 314.

The reader will appreciate that the cross section shape of the tubes is in the FIG. 5 example is circular as compared to the square cross section shape of the tubes in examples depicted in FIGS. 2-4. However, the function of frame 300 is substantially the same as with the frames discussed previously.

Another distinction relates to the manner in which the tubes telescope. In the FIG. 5 example, first spine tube 325, alpha first arm tube 312, and alpha second arm tube 314 each define a plurality of length selection holes 399. Length selection holes are configured to receive tube fasteners (spine fastener 328, first area fastener 309, and second a fastener 311) when second spine tube 326, beta first arm tube 313, and beta second arm tube 315 extend a desired length beyond first spine tube 325, alpha first arm tube 312, and alpha second arm tube 314, respectively. Thus, the FIG. 5 example utilizes a single spine fastener 328, first arm fastener 309, and second arm fastener 311 rather than multiple such fasteners utilized in the examples depicted in FIGS. 2-4.

As shown in FIG. 5, pivot mechanism 318 includes a pivoting socket 371 coupled to a bearing 370. Pivoting socket 371 receives and supports base tube 303. Pivot mechanism 318 enables base tube 303 to pivot relative to plate 316 of coupler 301 similar to the pivoting enabled by pivot mechanism 118 in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein. 

1. A frame for temporary coverings, comprising: a coupler configured to selectively couple to a fixed structure; a base tube coupled to the coupler; a spine tube nested within the base tube and configured to selectively telescope relative to the base tube; and a shoulder tube mounted to the spine tube and extending transverse to the spine tube between a first shoulder end and a second shoulder end.
 2. The frame of claim 1, wherein: the frame further comprises a first arm tube nested within the shoulder tube proximate the first shoulder end; and the first arm tube is configured to selectively telescope relative to the shoulder tube.
 3. The frame of claim 2, further comprising a first arm fastener configured to fix the first arm tube in a position telescoped out of the shoulder tube.
 4. The frame of claim 3, wherein: the frame further comprises a second arm tube nested within the shoulder tube proximate the second shoulder end; and the second arm tube is configured to selectively telescope relative to the shoulder tube.
 5. The frame of claim 4, further comprising a second arm fastener configured to fix the second arm tube in a position telescoped out of the shoulder tube.
 6. The frame of claim 4, wherein the first arm tube includes: an alpha first arm tube nested within the shoulder tube and configured to selectively telescope relative to the shoulder tube; and a beta, first arm tube nested within the alpha first arm tube and configured to selectively telescope relative to the alpha first arm tube.
 7. The frame of claim 6, wherein the second arm tube includes: an alpha second arm tube nested within the shoulder tube and configured to selectively telescope relative to the shoulder tube; and a beta second arm tube nested within the alpha second arm tube and configured to selectively telescope relative to the alpha second arm tube.
 8. The frame of claim 1, wherein the coupler includes a plate configured to selectively couple to the fixed structure with a fastener.
 9. The frame of claim 8 wherein the base tube is pivotally coupled to the coupler.
 10. The frame of claim 9, further comprising a pivot mechanism pivotally coupling the base tube to the coupler.
 11. The frame of claim 10, wherein the pivot mechanism includes a locking pin to fix the base tube at a desired angle relative to the coupler.
 12. The frame of claim 11 wherein the pivot mechanism structurally fixes the base tube at the desired angle relative to the coupler.
 13. The frame of claim 12 wherein: the coupler is selectively coupled to a vertical surface of the fixed structure; and the pivot mechanism structurally fixes the base tube in a horizontal orientation extending from the coupler over open space to define a cantilever.
 14. The frame of claim 1, wherein the coupler includes a clamp configured to selectively couple to the fixed structure by clamping to the fixed structure.
 15. The frame of claim 1, wherein: the spine tube includes: a first spine tube nested within the base tube and configured to selectively telescope relative to the base tube; and a second spine tube nested within the first spine tube and configured to selectively telescope relative to the first spine tube; and the shoulder tube is mounted to the second spine tube.
 16. The frame of claim 1, wherein the base tube has a square cross section across its length.
 17. The frame of claim 1, wherein the base tube and the spine tube are formed from anodized aluminum.
 18. The frame of claim 1, further comprising a spine fastener configured to fix the spine tube in a position telescoped out of the base tube.
 19. The frame of claim 1, wherein the base tube, the spine tube, and the shoulder tube cooperate to support an expanse of a flexible temporary covering draped over them.
 20. The frame of claim 1, wherein the base tube, the spine tube, and the shoulder tube cooperate to support a temporary rigid wall in contact with the shoulder tube. 